The Maryland Zoo
Baltimore, Maryland · Zoo Aquarium · Accessibility score 1.4/5
Address: Address not available
Phone: (410) 396-7102
About
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, sitting on 135 acres within Druid Hill Park. As a nonprofit organization, the zoo is dedicated to connecting people with amazing animals and inspiring conservation of the living world.
Visitors can explore diverse habitats home to more than 1,500 animals representing over 200 species. The African Journey exhibit takes you through open savannas and lush forests where giraffes, elephants, and chimpanzees make their home. Polar Bear Watch offers a chance to see these magnificent Arctic animals up close, while the Maryland Wilderness section highlights native species like bald eagles and black bears.
The zoo's Penguin Coast is a popular favorite, featuring a large outdoor habitat where African penguins swim and waddle along rocky shores. Kids will love the Children's Zoo area, which includes interactive exhibits and opportunities to meet goats, donkeys, and other friendly animals.
Seasonal events and keeper talks add depth to any visit. You can watch animal feedings, attend educational programs, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the tree-lined grounds. The zoo also offers a ride experience and a variety of food options throughout the park.
Planning your visit is straightforward. The zoo is open year-round, though hours vary by season. Parking is available on-site, and the grounds are generally manageable in a single day. The Wild Things Gift Shop near the main entrance is a good first stop for maps and information. Whether you're a family with young children, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone looking for a peaceful outdoor experience, the Maryland Zoo offers something genuinely memorable.
Accessibility
The Maryland Zoo has made its grounds welcoming for visitors with mobility and accessibility needs. All pathways throughout the zoo are paved and relatively flat, making it comfortable to get around by wheelchair, scooter, or stroller. Rides and attractions at the zoo are accessible as well.
Manual wheelchairs, electric convenience vehicles (ECVs), and strollers are available for rent just inside the main entrance, near the Wild Things Gift Shop. These are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended, especially on busy days.
Restrooms throughout the zoo are ADA compliant and equipped with changing tables. The zoo provides an ADA Access Guide to help visitors plan their route and identify accessible features before arriving.
The zoo's layout within Druid Hill Park means most of the experience is outdoors, with plenty of shaded rest areas along the way. Benches and seating are available at various points throughout the grounds.
For visitors with sensory sensitivities, the zoo can be a stimulating environment with animal sounds and crowds, particularly on weekends and during special events. Visiting on weekday mornings may offer a quieter experience.
Accessible parking is available near the main entrance. Contact the zoo directly at 410-396-7102 for current details on companion policies, service animal guidelines, and any additional accommodations they may offer.
More accessible places in Maryland
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Baltimore)
- Walters Art Museum (Baltimore)
- Port Discovery Children's Museum (Baltimore)
- National Aquarium (Baltimore)
- Maryland Science Center (Baltimore)
- B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore)